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Interim charges for Texas House committees announced

The interim charges for Texas House committees were released following the Thanksgiving weekend and several committees are charged with studying important health care reform topics. This summary provides a snapshot of the topics identified for in-depth review.

The House Appropriations Committee is charged with studying "innovative strategies to control costs of major governmental programs" (i.e., Medicaid), including studying deficiencies with disproportionate share and upper payment limit methodologies. The Appropriations Committee is also charged with comprehensively reviewing Medicaid provider rate methodologies, including the impact of cost reports and federal minimum wage changes, taking into account access, quality of care and value. Finally, the Appropriations Committee will study the state's need for all types of health care professionals, especially primary care providers and long-term-care professionals.

The House Committee on Government Reform is charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding state contracts with pharmacy benefit managers, as well as the feasibility of combining prescription drug programs. The House Insurance Committee is charged with examining insurance markets in other states, identifying barriers and possible enhancements to purchasing insurance with an eye toward augmenting flexibility in purchasing health insurance. This Committee will also evaluate the use of health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements, particularly by small businesses, and review possible tax incentives for purchasing private insurance.

The House Committee on Public Health is charged with reviewing the Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act, evaluating the array of wellness initiatives, reviewing the impact of tamper-resistant prescription pad requirements, and evaluating the state of public health emergency preparedness.